Rebuilding Ukraine: From Soviet-Era Housing to Modern, War-Resilient Cities
The story of Yurii Semenenko, a Ukrainian engineer whose home was twice destroyed by Russian attacks in Kharkiv, highlights the devastating impact of war on civilians. But this article goes beyond the destruction, exploring the opportunities for post-war reconstruction. The vulnerability of Soviet-era prefabricated buildings, unsuitable for modern living and wartime conditions, is exposed, prompting a reassessment of urban planning. The article also covers the death of Chris Garrett, a mine awareness trainer, and Ukraine's exploration of safer, more inclusive city designs, including modular and 3D-printed housing, and underground infrastructure. The narrative underscores the potential for war to catalyze long-overdue change.
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